Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Prime Minster Lester B. Pearson dies. When Lester B. Pearson died on December 27, 1972, he left his mark on Canada and the world. Born in Ontario in 1897 and schooled throughout the province, Pearson graduated from the University of Toronto in 1919, after enlisting for combat during World War II. He went to Oxford University on a scholarship and upon his return, joined the Department of External Affairs. Through hard work and a pleasant demeanor, Pearson worked his way up the ranks, becoming Canada’s ambassador to Washington, DC and then deputy minister. He moved into politics and sat in the cabinet of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent at a time when Canada’s international influence was at its peak. Pearson became president of the UN in 1952 and was the architect behind the peace-keeping strategy that prevented war during the Suez crisis of 1956. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. After a time in Opposition, Pearson became leader of Canada’s Liberal Party and prime minister between 1963 and 1968 – all with minority governments. During his years in office, Canada acquired a new flag, the Canada Pension Plan, Medicare and many other progressive initiatives. He also opened up Canada’s immigration process to people of all nationalities. He retired from politics in 1968 at the age of 71.
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